Applause Awards
Orlando, FL
2026 Ceremony Date: May 30, 2026
Recognizing everyone from set and costume designers to lead actors and actresses, the Applause Awards is a true celebration of all things musical theater. Honoring excellence in high school productions is just the beginning. This program also advocates for the importance of the arts by creating access for students and schools in our community.
Nominees
2025
Adam Bouchachia
Quasimodo, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Lake Nona High School
Suliette Iris Ortiz
Diana Goodman, Next to Normal
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
2024
Emma Cate Davis
Natasha, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
George Eastman
Anatole, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
2023
Jaxon Allison
Percy Jackson, The Lightning Thief
Boone High School
Samantha A. Nelson
Velma Kelly, Chicago: Teen Edition
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
2022
Jackson Chase
Nick Bottom, Something Rotten!
Lake Nona High School
Samantha Nelson
Cassie, A Chorus Line Teen Edition
Douglas Anderson School Arts
2021
Miguel Gil
Windermere High School
Shina Mitchell
Dr. Phillips High School
2019
Thomas Dyer
Captain Von Trapp, The Sound of Music
Lake Nona High School
Hannah Restuccia
The Drowsy Chaperone, The Drowsy Chaperone
Timber Creek High School
2018
Kristen Brock
Witch, Into the Woods
Harrison School for the Arts
John Zamborsky
Galileo, We Will Rock You
Spruce Creek High School
2017
Sofia Deler
Woman 1, Songs for a New World
William R Boone High School
Tony Moreno
Don Quixote (Cervantes), Man of La Mancha
Trinity Preparatory School
2016
Emma Heistand
Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins
West Orange High School
Tony Moreno
Jamie, The Last Five Years
Trinity Preparatory School